Impact of Nuclear Power Plant on Subarctic Habitat and Fish Metabolism

Authors: Gashkina NA*

DOI: 10.23880/jenr-16000333

Volume 7, Issue 2

Abstract

The Kola nuclear power plant, which discharges warm water into subarctic Lake Imandra, significantly changes fish habitat and forms a temperature gradient of 8°C compared to the rest of the lake. The stenothermal cold-water native species (whitefish (Coregonus lavaretus L.)), living for about half a century under conditions of thermal pollution, has adapted to this stressor. The whitefish population living in the thermal pollution area differs favorably from the population in the natural-temperature environment in terms of its physiological state (blood hemoglobin concentrations, Fulton’s condition factor). The adaptive features associated with high respiratory activity (intense Na metabolism) and somatic growth (intense Se metabolism), as well as potentially metabolic vulnerabilities (risks regarding toxic effects and bioaccumulation of Hg, As, and Cu) are shown.

Keywords: Lake Imandra; Whitefish; Coregonus lavaretus L.; Metabolism

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